I saw my first bee fly about four years ago. There are nine species of bee fly in the UK and the one featured here, Bombylius major, is the most common. Looking rather like a cross between a real bee and a large fluffy mosquito, they can be found flying from late March to the end of May. The long proboscis is used for feeding on flower nectar and they are harmless to humans.
I found this one posing nicely for me close to one of our borders during lockdown. I was lucky enough to get up close and grab a few shots while he was in flight. Two of the images show what I refer to as “the leg thing”, where the bee fly rubs his legs together mid-flight. It’s something I have noted (and photographed) in hoverflies as well, but I can find no explanation for the behaviour.
Sid
30 Jun 2020Wow 💕
This way of flying is so hilarious!
Have a great Tuesday 🙂
Sid
Zooey
30 Jun 2020Thank you Sid. Tuesday is fine. I wanted to be out with the bugs, but it’s been raining all day 🙂
Steve Cullum
30 Jun 2020Nice shots and the crossed legs are hilarious 🙂 Steve
Zooey
30 Jun 2020Watch out the next time you’re close to a hoverfly 🙂